Businessman Jaime Blas Villaceran was killed in an ambush at the intersection of Colon St. and Osmeña Blvd. past 7 a.m. yesterday, shortly after he dropped of his two daughters at school. He was 36.

Villaceran was driving a Toyota Hi-Ace Grandia and was about to stop for a red light when two men on a motorcycle approached the van. The passenger then shot at him. Police said Villaceran died of multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama ordered the CCPO to conduct a stringent investigation on the killing and to explain why there were no police officers in the area.

“How did it happen? I would like to make a very clear position sa ilaha (to the police). Look for the culprit. Di man na mahimong ingnon drug involvement ra (They can’t just say drugs were involved). It’s not an excuse. There is a crime. Look for the culprit.” — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, according to Sun.Star Cebu

What’s your alternative to solve traffic: Mayor Rama tells critics

Criticisms will not stop Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama from removing the center island on Cardinal Rosales Ave. to Gov. Cuenco Ave., from the Ayala intersection to under the flyover, to ease the traffic gridlock in the area.

Trees on the island will be earth-balled and transferred to the Cebu City-owned lot at the North Reclamation Area, Sun.Star Cebu reported.

“I have to address the traffic problem in that area now because if I don’t, the situation will be worse in the future… So to those who are opposing, let me ask… what is your alternative?” — Mayor Michael Rama

Talisay Mayor de los Reyes bashes political opponents in city address

Talisay City Mayor Johnny de los Reyes blamed his political opponents for blocking important projects and cuttings his annual budget during his State of the City Address last Monday.

De los Reyes told more than a thousand supporters gathered for this speech at the Tabunok Public Market that despite not getting the support of members of the City Council, which is dominated by Alayon, he was able to do more than his predecessors.

“Nakabuhat ko ani tanan bisag pa nga ang inyong mayor wala’y kabangkaagan (With hardly any knowledge to run the city I was able to achieve this).” — Talisay City Mayor Johnny de los Reyes, according to Sun.Star Cebu

The slashing of the budget was among the key issues de los Reyes raised against the council during his State of the City Address.

Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, a former ally, also denied they were being obstructionists. He did not attend the SOCA but listened to it on the radio. Villarente said what happened was not a state of the city report but a miting de avance or political gathering.

Dry weather ahead with El Niño, PAG-ASA warns

Central Visayas will see drier weather ahead and an average temperature of 32 degrees Celsius, said PAG-ASA Visayas Director Oscar Tabada. This is because of the El Niño weather phenomenon, which is expected to be in effect in the region until the middle of next year.